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TONY THE TRUCK STOP TIGER
Oct 22, 2009
Focus: Animal Welfare
Action Request: Various
Location: Louisiana, United States
TONY THE TRUCK STOP TIGER -

FIRST POSTED:                     23rd October 2009
 
NEW DETAILS ADDED:          21st NOVEMBER 2009

MY CAMPAIGN TO FREE 'TONY THE TIGER' FROM THE TRUCK STOP

FULL STORY & DETAILS OF EMAILS/LETTERS I HAVE SENT & RECEIVED & SOME OF THE ACTIONS I HAVE TAKEN ON BEHALF OF  -  'TONY THE TIGER'  

INCLUDING:  CONTACT DETAILS OF ORGANISATIONS, LOCAL COUNCIL & GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO SEND LETTERS & EMAILS TO.               

_____________________________________________________________

I wanted to write about a friend I have on Care 2 Charlie L.  When I sent messages out to all my friends, asking them to email Maria Davidson, at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries the above message is the response I had from Charlie.  I was heartened by his enthusiasm & the fact that he was going that extra mile to post a letter to Maria Davidson's Civic Address, even though his printer wasn't working & he had to go to the Library to print it.   Charlie is spot on, sending letters by post DOES have a greater impact.  Charlie also came up with an idea regarding printing 'flyers' and placing them in strategic places in Grosse Tete on car windscreens.  I think this is a really good idea & could prove very effective.  Thank-you Charlie, it is people like you who really make a difference & it is your idea that made me think of this other idea using 'flyers'!!!  

_______________________________________________________________

I have had some thoughts on the 'flyers' too.  I thought that if we are going to get 'flyers' placed on car windscreens, maybe we could also approach a Marketing/Advertising company that provided a 'printing & delivery service.'  Some Marketing/Advertising companies in the UK work in conjunction with 'freebie' newspapers and will co-ordinate the printing & distribution of the 'flyers', as inserts inside the 'freebie' newspapers. Maybe, there are companies in the US that provide a similar service?  Basically, the overall cost would be based on:

  • The Marketing Companies costs incurred to print 'flyers'
  • The Marketing companies costs incurred to get 'freebie'         newspaper companies to insert the 'flyers' in their newspapers &  distribute them
  • Plus, their profit margin


This is achieveable & shouldn't be to difficult to arrange. We could set up a donation/funding page to raise the money to cover the costs.  I think the population of Grosse Tete, is only about 670. So the costs to deliver to residents shouldn't be too much.  If we managed to raise enough money, maybe we could even extend the distribution of the 'flyers' to the part of the city of Baton Rouge that is nearest to Grosse Tete?  

I mentioned Charlie's idea of placing 'flyers' on car windscreens & my idea of having 'flyers' distributed inside 'freebie' newspapers & my friend James Platt thought they were both good ideas & worth a try.  James Platt has done a lot of research, written loads of blogs, put up petitions & basically put a lot of hard work and effort into the 'Tony the Tiger Campaign', so I value his opinion.  James told me he would try & look into it & see if there were any Marketing/Advertising Companies that provided this service in conjunction with 'freebie' newspapers around Grosse Tete & the surrounding area.

As I am in the UK, I cannot get involved with the printing & distribution of the 'flyers', but I wanted to do my bit.  I have been working on the design of a 'flyer' using a software called 'Concept Draw' (for layout) & photo editing software.  I have put a photo of 'Tony' in his Cage, alongside a photo of a 'Tiger' at the Big Cat Rescue Sanctuary, who have offered 'Tony' a home for life. I have put a poignant sentence beneath each photograph that I think will be hard hitting and make people really think of the welfare of 'Tony the Tiger'      I have also put a small paragraph outlining the background of the story of 'Tony' to the bottom left of the 'flyer'.  Along the bottom of the 'flyer' I thought I would type serveral URL addresses that 'link' to information, blogs, stories & petitions regarding 'Tony the Tiger'.  I think James Platt has a decent wordpress blog that basically 'links' to all his information about 'Tony', so this might be an idea for one of the URL addresses to print on the bottom of the 'flyer'

When I have finished the 'flyer', I will try and upload a copy to my Share Page & send it out to all my friends.

 

_______________________________________________________________

THE LATEST NEWS I HAVE FOUND ON EXAMINER.COM

For those of you following the fate of Tony, the Bengal tiger caged at a truck stop in Grosse Tete, here is the latest from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

According to a letter postmarked August 11, 2009, from Maria Davidson, Large Carnivore Program Manager,  the Iberville parish permit has been issued and "the Department (Wildlife and Fisheries) is in the process of reviewing the state Tiger Truck Stop application." 

Davidson further writes, "It is the Department's position that private possession of tigers poses a significant hazard to public safety and is detrimental to the health of the animal. Prolonged confinement is by its nature stressful to tigers and proper long-term care by experienced persons is essential to the health of the animal."

These are promising words. Let's see what happens next.

______________________________________________________________

Dear Friends,   UPDATE

MY LETTER SENT ON:         14th AUGUST 2009

TO IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL & SEVEN COUNCIL MEMBERS

Dear Sir/Madam
 
Please help Tony The Truck Stop Tiger.  This beautiful majestic animal has been living in a concrete jungle for years.  He paces up and down a small metal cage with a concrete floor.  He is constantly breathing in the fumes of the Giant Trucks that stop at the Truck Stop.  Tony has no shade, as the roof of his prison is metal & just heats up.  He has to endure members of the public shouting and taunting him, throwing things at him to get him to move so they can see him more clearly.  He has a very small pool of water in the cage, which is not big enough for him to even swim in. 
 
Tony has been offered a place at Big Cat Rescue, a sanctuary, where he could live out his days in luxury.  He would have large areas to roam around.  The ground would be natural soil, which is how it would be in his natural habitat.  There are caves to explore, trees to give him shade and a large pool big enough to swim in. 
 
Tony would be placed into an area where it was away from the public where it would be quiet and peaceful, so that Tony would have the chance to get used to his new surroundings. 
 
I have signed many petitions regarding 'Tony The Truck Stop Tiger', on various Animal Welfare Sites.  Care 2 has been campaigning vehemently to get Tony released for a very long time.  It was in fact one of the most active stories on Care 2.  I am a member of Care 2 and I have been actively campaigning to give Tony the freedom he deserves. I have signed many petitions, commented on news stories and blogs and sent emails to Organisations & Officials.  I have also forwarded petitons to all my contacts on various Animal Welfare sites for them to sign & they have fowarded on to their contacts.  The response has been huge. 
 
There are laws being broken and exploited by legal loopholes, to keep Tony where he is.  One argumente even stated that Tony would be  be scared and stressed if he were put into an environment with other tigers.  This argument was based on the fact that Tony has been hand raised and hand-fed and had never been in an environment with other Tigers.  This is like saying a 'puppy' that has been in a puppy mill for so many years, should stay there because he/she has never known any different.  It is an absurd argument and has no bearing whatsoever.  Domestic cats and dogs are extremely adaptable and have been re-homed into families with other animals after spending years in a kennel or rescue centre.  Big Cats are also very adaptable & Tony would adapt to the change in his environment, especially as he is to be placed in a quiet area away from the public eye.  The freedom Tony would experience, the ability to roam freely on soft soil, to laze under the trees, to explore caves, to swim in the pool would be heaven to him.  In this environment, which mimics his natural environment, Tony would thrive. The freedom he would experience, the ability to run & excercise properly, the lush grass to roll around in and the trees to sleep under, would be such a relief for him, that he would have no trouble adapting whatsoever.  Infact, he would be given his spirit back, he would be happy & he deserves this right to live out the rest of his years in this paradise, which is a million miles away from the appalling conditions he has lived in for so many years. 
 
Please support our efforts on Care 2 and all the other sites that have been campaigning to free Tony.  The law is being broken by keeping Tony caged in such atrocious conditions in his concrete jungle. 
 
We owe Tony our full support, he must be freed, he has suffered for far too long. 
 
Please implement the laws appropriately and do not issue a permit for the owner of the Truck Stop to keep 'Tony' in this 'Chamber of Horrors'.  Do not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to Tony's plight and to the efforts of hundreds of thousands of people all over the world that want to have Tony sent to the Big Cat Rescue.  We are many and we are not wrong, it is just that we are fighting against a law that has been corrupted by profit and greed. 
 
TONY MAY NOT HAVE LONG TO LIVE, IF HE IS LEFT AT THE TRUCK STOP.  PLEASE DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO FREE TONY NOW.  FROM ONE WHO SPEAKS FOR THE MAJORITY AND CARES DEEPLY ABOUT TONY'S PLIGHT.  PLEASE LET HIM LIVE OUT THE REST OF HIS LIFE WHERE HE CAN BE A FREE SPIRIT AND EXPERIENCE LIFE AS IT SHOULD BE FOR A TIGER.
 
SALLY DIX
_________________________________________________

IBERVILLE PARISH SWAMPED WITH EMAILS

If you read the full message it will explain everything.  Please feel free to use 'My Template Letter' or compose your own letter if you wish.  Please send to the eight 'Council Member Email Addresses' highlighted in yellow (one of which I think is the Main Parish Email Address: parishcouncil@eatel.net.)  We have already been receiving 'mailer-daemon notices', "user is over quota" from this particular email, which suggests they have been swamped with emails.

We want to be sending out so many emails that we are receiving 'mailer-daemon notices', "user is over quota" from all eight of the Council Member Email Addresses which will suggest that they too are  swamped with emails.     


This will put alot of pressure on the Iberville Parish Council.  They are the Council that will be issuing the 'permit' that will allow Tony's owner to keep him at the Truck Stop. 

We have come such a long way, in the fight to free 'Tony the Tiger' & I believe we can still WIN.

_____________________________________________________________


19th AUGUST 2009 - UPDATE

I have sent the letter that I sent to the Iberville Parish Council & Council Members (slightly adapted) to:

Maria Davidson, Large Carnivore Manager, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

Maria Davidson will be reviewing the state Tiger Truck Stop Application. 

I am hoping my letter will have some impact, as this is the last chance of a 'lifeline' for 'Tony the Tiger.'  I have asked Maria Davidson NOT to issue a permit to the Truck Stop Owner that would give him permission to keep Tony.

I have read that Maria Davidson is a Wildlife Biologist. There  will be no conflict of interest, as profit will not be a motive.  Maria Davidson's decision will be soley based on the health and well-being of 'Tony'.  
_____________________________________________________________

 

COPY OF LETTER I SENT TO MARIA DAVIDSON

Dear Maria Davidson,
 
Please help 'Tony The Truck Stop Tiger'.  This beautiful majestic animal has been living in a concrete jungle for years.  He paces up and down a small metal cage with a concrete floor.  He is constantly breathing in the fumes of the Giant Trucks that stop at the Truck Stop.  Tony has no shade, as the roof of his prison is metal & just heats up.  He has to endure members of the public shouting and taunting him, throwing things at him to get him to move so they can see him more clearly.  He has a very small pool of water in the cage, which is not big enough for him to even swim in. 
 
Tony has been offered a place at Big Cat Rescue, a sanctuary where he could live out his days in luxury.  He would have large areas to roam around.  The ground would be natural soil, which is how it would be in his natural habitat.  There are caves to explore, trees to give him shade and a large pool big enough to swim in. 

Tony would be placed into an area away from the public where it would be quiet and peaceful, so that Tony would have the chance to get used to his new surroundings. 
 
I have signed many petitions regarding 'Tony The Truck Stop Tiger', on various Animal Welfare Sites.  Care 2 has been campaigning vehemently to get Tony released for a very long time.  It was in fact one of the most active stories on Care 2.  I am a member of Care 2 and I have been actively campaigning to give Tony the freedom he deserves. I have signed many petitions, commented on news stories and blogs and sent emails to Organisations & Officials.  I have also forwarded petitons to all my contacts on various Animal Welfare sites for them to sign & they have fowarded on to their contacts.  The response has been huge. 
 
There are laws being broken and exploited by legal loopholes, to keep Tony where he is.  One argument even stated that Tony would be scared and stressed if he were to be put into an environment with other Tigers.  This argument was based on the fact that Tony has been hand raised and hand-fed and has never been in an environment with other Tigers.  This is like saying a 'puppy' that has been in a puppy mill for so many years, should stay there because he/she has never known any different.  It is an absurd argument and has no bearing whatsoever.  Domestic cats and dogs are extremely adaptable and have been re-homed into families with other animals after spending years in a kennel or rescue centre.  Big Cats are also very adaptable & Tony would adapt to the change in his environment, especially as he is to be placed in a quiet area away from the public eye.  The freedom Tony would experience, the ability to roam freely on soft soil, to laze under the trees, to explore caves, to swim in the pool, would be heaven to him.  In this environment, which mimics his natural environment, Tony would thrive. The freedom he would experience, the ability to run & excercise properly, the lush grass to roll around in and the trees to sleep under, would be such a relief for him, that he would have no trouble adapting whatsoever.  Infact, he would be given his spirit back, he would be happy & he deserves this right to live out the rest of his years in this paradise, which is a million miles away from the appalling conditions he has lived in for so many years. 
 
Please support our efforts on Care 2 and all the other sites that have been campaigning to free Tony.  The law is being broken by keeping Tony caged in such atrocious conditions in his concrete jungle. 
 
We owe Tony our full support, he must be freed, he has suffered for far too long. 
 
Please implement the laws appropriately and do NOT issue a 'Permit' for the owner of the Truck Stop to keep 'Tony' in this 'Chamber of Horrors'.  Do not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to Tony's plight and to the efforts of hundreds of thousands of people all over the world that want to have Tony sent to the Big Cat Rescue.  We are many and we are not wrong, it is just that we are fighting against a law that has been corrupted by profit and greed. 
 
As a Wildlife Biologist, you must know that it is a travesty for any Tiger to be caged and confined.  Tony is not only suffering because he is caged in appalling conditions. Tony also has to endure constant noise from Truck Engines, Fumes, Unbearable Heat with no Shade & People Shouting at him and Taunting him.  Please, you are the last hope for 'Tony' & you have the authority to FREE 'Tony' from this life.  A cruel life of endless days, months & years where 'Tony' has endured intolerable suffering, which is slowly killing him.
 
TONY MAY NOT HAVE LONG TO LIVE, IF HE IS LEFT AT THE TRUCK STOP.  PLEASE DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO FREE TONY NOW.  FROM ONE WHO SPEAKS FOR THE MAJORITY AND WHO CARES DEEPLY ABOUT TONY'S PLIGHT.  PLEASE LET HIM LIVE OUT THE REST OF HIS LIFE WHERE HE CAN BE A FREE SPIRIT AND EXPERIENCE LIFE AS IT SHOULD BE FOR A TIGER.
 
SALLY DIX
_______________________________________________________
TO ALL MY FRIENDS

Please email a letter to:  Maria Davidson, Large Carnivore Manager, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, as this is the last chance for 'Tony the Truck Stop Tiger' 

Send To:             mdavidson@wlf.louisiana.gov

_______________________________________________________________

I know you are all probably really busy with your own personal causes.  If you do not have time to compose your own letter, please feel free to use the letter I have sent to Maria Davidson as a 'template' & adapt it with your own personal comments.

_______________________________________________________________

THIS REALLY IS 'TONY THE TIGERS' LAST CHANCE AND I HAVE A GOOD FEELING THAT MARIA DAVIDSON WILL NOT ISSUE THE 'PERMIT' THAT WILL ALLOW TONY'S  OWNER TO KEEP HIM AT THE TRUCK STOP.

THE MORE EMAILS SENT TO MARIA DAVIDSON THE BETTER

I hope all our hard work will FREE 'TONY' from his Concrete Prison

With a heartfelt to you all.

Your Friends

SALLY, SHADOW & TIGGY WILLOW

              

_______________________________________________________________

IF WE COULD POST LETTERS TO MARIA DAVIDSON'S CIVIC ADDRESS THIS WOULD HAVE A LOT MORE IMPACT THAN AN EMAIL.

THE ADDRESS IS BELOW:

Maria Davidson   (CIVIC ADDRES

5652 Hwy. 182

Opelousas, LA 70570

________________________________________________________________
MARIA DAVIDSON'S SUPERVISOR IS: FRED KIMMEL
HIS OFFICE TEL NO IS:      225-765-2355
HIS EMAIL ADDRESS IS:     fkimmel@wlf.la.gov
_________________________________________________

AND LET US START ASKING MICHAEL SANDLIN'S FUEL SUPPLIER IF THEY REALLY WANT ALL OF THIS BAD PUBLICITY TO BE UNDER ALL OF THEIR SIGNS: 

CONOCO-PHILLIPS

THEIR POSTAL ADDRESS & TEL NO IS:

600 NORTH DAIRY ASHFORD (77079-1175)
P O Box 2197
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77252-2197
TELEPHONE NO: 281-293-1000

THEIR WEBSITE ADDRESS IS:

http://www.conocophillips.com/EN/utilities/contact/pages/questions_company.aspx
_________________________________________________

COPY OF MESSAGE I RECEIVED FROM FRIEND CHARLIE L
 
Sally, my email to Maria Davidson has been written and sent.  I want to write a printed letter as well because I think a printed letter may be more effective than an email.  I will have to go to the library to do it because my printer isn't working.  To send a printed letter I need Maria Davidson's complete civic address including city and zip code.  If you have it could you send it to me? 

I am making Tony a top priority until Michael Sandlin is reigned in, the law in Iberville is enforced and Tony is freed from that hellhole.

_____________________________________________________________
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Posted: Oct 22, 2009 3:55pm
BRUCE THE GENTLE 'PIT BULL TYPE' DOG NEEDS TO GO HOME
Jul 17, 2009
Focus: Animal Welfare
Action Request: Various
Location: Ireland
 BRING BRUCE HOME - WE MiSS HiM PETITION
  The Petition to bring BRUCE the 'Gentle' Pit bull Type   
                          Dog Home 
                      Target of 5000 signatures 
   We have exceeded that target considerably & now have
     More Than 14000 signatures in support of BRUCE
_____________________________________________________________________
 *     *     *     * NEWS UPDATE *     *     *     *      
               EMAIL I HAVE RECEIVED FROM:
  The Secretary of State for N Ireland-Shaun Woodward

     EMAIL I HAVE SENT TO & THE REPLY FROM:
  The Rt Hon Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA - Lagan Valley
                       
                  EMAIL I HAVE SENT TO:
           The Rt Hon Alan Johnson - Home Secretary

   EMAIL REPLY FROM & MY RESPONSE TO THEIR REPLY
              EAST GALWAY ANIMAL RESCUE

      
_____________________________________________________________________
From:      THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
Date  :    17th JULY 2009
 _______________________________________________________
Dear Sally Dix,

Thank you for your enquiry or comment placed on the ShaunWoodward.com website today (17 July 2009).

This is to confirm that it has been received and will receive urgent consideration.

Many thanks,

The Office of Shaun Woodward MP
_____________________________________________________________________

To:          Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP - Home Secretary
Date:       17th July 2009 
_______________________________________________________

I am writing to you with regard to a travesty about to occur in Northern Ireland and to beg you to intervene and help save a life.

The life in question belongs to Bruce, a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was living happily with his family in Northern Ireland. On September 19th 2007 Bruce was seized by council officials as an alleged 'pit bull type' and taken to secluded kennels whilst his owner was taken to court for owning a banned type of dog.

While incarcerated in kennels his family were allowed to visit Bruce in October 2007, Bruce had lost weight, muscle and had a cut to his muzzle. Five months later Bruce was allowed a second visit from his family in March 2008, they were shocked with what they found: The wound on Bruce's muzzle was larger and had become infected, he had to have his tail amputated, had open sores, was underweight and looked totally rejected, yet despite the clear pain he was in, is described by experts as being a friendly dog that poses no danger to the public. In a desperate attempt to save Bruce, owner Shannon Brown, supporters and neighbours have created petitions and videos resulting in worldwide support to 'Bring Bruce Home'.

 Northern Ireland has not adopted the 1997 Amendment Act as in England, Scotland and Wales, despite being proposed several times, thus meaning any dog deemed to be 'pit bull type' cannot be entered onto the Index of Exempted Dogs.  If the proposal had been accepted in Northern Ireland, as with the rest of the UK, Bruce would have been home long before now, alive and well registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. Northern Ireland is however currently considering legislative change but this is not likely to be achieved in time to save Bruce.

 If Bruce lived in Southern Ireland where no breeds are nationally banned he would never have been seized at all. Bruce has been offered a place of safety with a reputable rescue in Southern Ireland where he could legally live out the rest of his life, this offer has been conveyed to the solicitor but has sadly not been accepted by the court.

 

I understand that you have the power to grant a pardon and we beg of you to do all within your power to allow Bruce the chance of life by requesting Bruce is granted safe passage to Southern Ireland and the rescue placement that is waiting there for him. This is all that is needed. I am sure,  that you are aware of how emotionally committed good owners are to their pets. Dogs are part of our families as much as children. Please spare Bruce’s owner the further trauma of destroying Bruce so needlessly. Please pardon Bruce and allow a blameless animal the chance of life.

Please do not destroy this gentle, beautiful dog who has never been aggressive to a human being or an animal.  There are so many people worldwide supporting Bruce, they cannot all be wrong.  Bruce is just being victimized because he lives in Northern Ireland, where the law has not permitted the 'pit bull type' dog to be entered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.  If you are considering legislative change, please postpone any actions to euthanise Bruce, who is totally innocent, until you have arrived at a decision regarding this change in the law. 

Another alternative, would be to send Bruce to the rescue centre that is waiting to take him in in Southern Ireland, where he will be protected by their laws.  Bruce could stay there for life if the law in Northern Ireland does not change regarding his breed.  If , however the law does change in Northern Ireland and Bruce's breed is allowed onto the Index of Exempted Dogs, then he could be returned to his family.

It would be a travesty to euthanise a very sweet, gentle and loving dog that does not have an aggressive bone in his body, even if there were no alternatives because Bruce is innocent and should not be in this cruel shelter waiting to be euthanised.   The situation is even worse than this because there ARE alternatives that can be considered. 

We claim to be a nation of animal lovers, surely now it is time to prove it?

Yours sincerely

SALLY DIX

_______________________________________________________
To:       The Rt. Honourable Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA
Date:    17th July 2009
_____________________________________________________________________
I am writing to you with regard to a travesty about to occur in Northern Ireland and to beg you to intervene and help save a life.
 
The life in question belongs to Bruce, a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was living happily with his family in Northern Ireland. On September 19th 2007 Bruce was seized by council officials as an alleged 'pit bull type' and taken to secluded kennels whilst his owner was taken to court for owning a banned type of dog.
 
While incarcerated in kennels his family were allowed to visit Bruce in October 2007, Bruce had lost weight, muscle and had a cut to his muzzle. Five months later Bruce was allowed a second visit from his family in March 2008, they were shocked with what they found: The wound on Bruce's muzzle was larger and had become infected, he had to have his tail amputated, had open sores, was underweight and looked totally rejected, yet despite the clear pain he was in, is described by experts as being a friendly dog that poses no danger to the public. In a desperate attempt to save Bruce, owner Shannon Brown, supporters and neighbours have created petitions and videos resulting in worldwide support to 'Bring Bruce Home'.
 
Northern Ireland has not adopted the 1997 Amendment Act as in England, Scotland and Wales, despite being proposed several times, thus meaning any dog deemed to be 'pit bull type' cannot be entered onto the Index of Exempted Dogs.  If the proposal had been accepted in Northern Ireland, as with the rest of the UK, Bruce would have been home long before now, alive and well registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. Northern Ireland is however currently considering legislative change but this is not likely to be achieved in time to save Bruce.
 
If Bruce lived in Southern Ireland where no breeds are nationally banned he would never have been seized at all. Bruce has been offered a place of safety with a reputable rescue in Southern Ireland where he could legally live out the rest of his life, this offer has been conveyed to the solicitor but has sadly not been accepted by the court.
 
I understand that you have the power to grant a pardon and we beg of you to do all within your power to allow Bruce the chance of life by requesting Bruce is granted safe passage to Southern Ireland and the rescue placement that is waiting there for him. This is all that is needed. I am sure,  that you are aware of how emotionally committed good owners are to their pets. Dogs are part of our families as much as children. Please spare Bruce’s owner the further trauma of destroying Bruce so needlessly. Please pardon Bruce and allow a blameless animal the chance of life.
 
Please do not destroy this gentle, beautiful dog who has never been aggressive to a human being or an animal.  There are so many people worldwide supporting Bruce, they cannot all be wrong.  Bruce is just being victimized because he lives in Northern Ireland, where the law has not permitted the 'pit bull type' dog to be entered onto the Index of Exempted Dogs.  If you are considering legislative change, please postpone any actions to euthanise Bruce, who is totally innocent, until you have arrived at a decision regarding this change in the law. 
 
Another alternative, would be to send Bruce to the rescue centre that is waiting to take him in in Southern Ireland, where he will be protected by their laws.  Bruce could stay there for life if the law in Northern Ireland does not change regarding his breed.  If, however, the law does change in Northern Ireland and Bruce's breed is allowed onto the Index of Exempted Dogs, then he could be returned to his family.
 
It would be a travesty to euthanise a very sweet, gentle and loving dog that does not have an aggressive bone in his body, even if there were no alternatives because Bruce is innocent and should not be in this cruel shelter waiting to be euthanised.   The situation is even worse than this because there ARE alternatives that can be considered.
 
We claim to be a nation of animal lovers, surely now it is time to prove it?
 
I implore you to make the only moral and ethical decision regarding Bruce and save his life.
 
Yours sincerely
 
SALLY DIX
_____________________________________________________________________
From:   The Rt. Honourable Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA
 Date:   17th July 2009
_______________________________________________________

Dear Sally

Thank you for your recent correspondence by email regarding your concerns about the plight of Bruce who I understand is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and is presently being held by an unidentified local authority in Northern Ireland.

In view of your representations and those from other interested individuals, I intend to make enquiries about this particular matter and will see what I can do to ensure that the concerns raised by the family who own Bruce are fully addressed, including his welfare.

Thank you for taking the time to be in touch with me about this particular matter.  It is very much appreciated.

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely

RT HON JEFFREY DONALDSON MP MLA

Lagan Valley

__________________________________________________________________

I have also written to East Galway Animal Rescue on 17th July 2009 regarding the plight of Bruce.  Below is a reply I received from East Galway Animal Rescue on 18th July 2009.

__________________________________________________________________

Dear Sally,
 
I am well aware of the case and the legislation re BSL in NI and the UK. However, there is more to this case than meets the eye or is being told by the owner Shannon Browne. I have offered to take Bruce MONTHS ago, and reiterated the offer several times over the past few weeks.
 
Sarah
_______________________________________________________
My response to East Galway Animal Rescue on 19th July 2009, which I have detailed below.
_______________________________________________________
Dear Sarah,
 
Re:  BRUCE THE PIT BULL TYPE TERRIER
 
Thank you for responding to my email.
 
I am sure you are aware of the case Sarah.  I am a member of the Care 2 site and I have only just recently read about the plight of Bruce.  I have endeavoured to find out as much as I can about the case.  I have signed the petition on the Care 2 site to allow for Bruce to be sent home & we have over 14000 signatures on the petition now.  However, I realize it is more complicated than this. 
 
I am just doing what I can to try and help Bruce, as I have seen footage of him on a video since he has been at the kennels/shelter in Northern Ireland, and he is in a terrible way. As an advocate for animals I am extremely concerned for him, as I am sure you are too. 
 
I too am aware that if Shannon lived in Wales or the UK there wouldn't be a problem, as these breeds can be legally kept as they are on the list of exempted dogs. 
 
In fact, I read on the Care 2 site, that if Bruce lived in Southern Ireland where no breeds are nationally banned he would never have been seized at all. Bruce has been offered a place of safety with a reputable rescue in Southern Ireland where he could legally live out the rest of his life.  I assume Shannon would have jumped at this offer, but it has been conveyed to the solicitor but has sadly not been accepted by the court.
 
As I mentioned earlier, as well as signing petitions on the Care 2 site, there is a lot of other information regarding possible viable alternatives.  It was when I was reading about the Case on the Care 2 site that I came across the email address of the Galway Animal Rescue in the contacts lists, as one of the possible shelters that may be able to take Bruce in, as you do not come under Northern Ireland. This is why I sent an email to you as I am trying every possible alternative.  Please remember that I have never met, spoken to or corresponded with Shannon Brown, so I was not aware that you had offered to take Bruce in previously & on more than one ocassion.
 
In fact, I am a little concerned, as the Galway Animal Rescue is one of the Centres mentioned as a possible place for Bruce to be homed, that would save him from being euthanised, why Shannon has not taken up your offers to take Bruce into your care.  From the families plight on the Care 2 site, they are devastated at the thought of Bruce having to be euthanised & if you have offered to take him, this would solve their problem.  
 
I am wondering whether there may be any 'legal' issues why Shannon cannot bring Bruce to your centre or perhaps there is something that we at Care 2 do not know about the case.  I did read on one of the sites about Bruce, that Shannon was having trouble getting insurance to have Bruce transported, so this could possibly be the reason why she has been unable to accept your offer to take Bruce in.
 
I have also written to The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward and I have had a reply from him, but it is only an automated reply. 
 
I also wrote to The RT Hon Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA - Lagan Valley, Belfast.  He has sent me an extremely helpful email regarding my concerns about the plight of Bruce where he is presently being held in Northern Ireland.  In one section of his email, his very words were, and I quote:

"In view of your representations and those from other interested individuals, I intend to make enquiries about this particular matter and will see what I can do to ensure that the concerns raised by the family who own Bruce are fully addressed, including his welfare. Thank you for taking the time to be in touch with me about this particular matter.  It is very much appreciated.  With kind regards"  -  RT Hon Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA. 

I have also written to Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP - Home Secretary, as he was also one of the contacts to send letters/emails to on the Care 2 site, just as your Animal Rescue Centre was in Galway.

I hope you can understand the situation I am in, as I am dealing with what seems to be quite a complex issue, without having all the facts.  Obviously, if I had known that you had offered to take Bruce on several ocassions, I would not have sent you the email.    

If you do have any information that you feel would be useful to us at Care 2, I would be very grateful for your input.
 
Yours Sincerely
 
 
SALLY DIX

______________________________________________________

             ANIMAL LAW COALITION

NEW INFORMATION REGARDING 'BRUCE' DETAILING HEARING DATE  

PLEASE CLICK ON THE 'LINK' BELOW


BRUCE UPDATE - ANIMAL LAW COALITION
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Posted: Jul 17, 2009 1:57pm
STAND BY ME - BEAUTIFUL INTERNATIONAL VERSION
May 9, 2009
A SONG FOR OUR LIVING, BREATHING EARTH
IN MEMORY OF MY BEAUTIFUL LITTLE CAT      
                    SHADOW
 
                         
                         
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM     
                      

I LOVE THIS SONG AND I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE ON THE CARE 2 NETWORK. SOME OF YOU MAY HAVE ALREADY HEARD IT.

I THINK MUSIC IS THE ONE LANGUAGE THAT UNITES THE WHOLE WORLD AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO SEND A POWERFUL MESSAGE THAN TO DO IT  WITH THIS CLASSIC WELL KNOWN SONG, PERFORMED BY MUSICIANS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

I IMAGINED EVERYBODY IN THE WORLD HOLDING HANDS AND SINGING ALONG TO THIS SONG.  I THINK IT GIVES OUT A VERY POWERFUL MESSAGE.

THERE ARE NO RECORDING STUDIOS, NO SPECIAL EFFECTS, JUST GOOD MUSICIANS PERFORMING A GREAT SONG.

EVERYONE LOOKS SO RELAXED, HAPPY AND AT ONE WITH EACH OTHER AND THE MUSIC JUST COMES NATURALLY.

CARE 2 IS A SITE DEDICATED TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN SO MANY POSITIVE WAYS. DEALING WITH HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES, ANIMAL WELFARE, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, EQUALITY, PROMOTING WORLD PEACE, ENDING WORLD POVERTY AND MANY OTHER CAUSES.  WE READ ABOUT, HEAR & SEE VIDEOS DEPICTING SO MANY HEART BREAKING STORIES & SITUATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.  THESE ISSUES MUST BE ADDRESSED AND THEY ARE ALL EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. THEREFORE WE MUST KEEP FIGHTING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES THAT WILL MAKE OUR WORLD A MUCH BETTER PLACE.

HOWEVER, SOMETIMES WE ALL NEED TO HEAR AND SEE SOMETHING THAT GIVES OUT A UNIVERSAL HAPPY MESSAGE. SOMETHING THAT IS UPLIFTING AND GIVES US HOPE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR OUR PLANET EARTH. 

THIS THEN GIVES US THE STRENGTH, DETERMINATION AND POSITIVE ENERGY, THAT WE ALL NEED TO ENABLE US TO CARRY ON FIGHTING FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IN. THIS WILL MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR EVERY LIVING BEING ON THIS PLANET WE CALL EARTH.
 
DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF MY BEAUTIFUL LITTLE CAT SHADOW WHO CROSSED OVER TO THE RAINBOWS BRIDGE 9TH MARCH 2005.  SHADOW'S SPIRIT IS BESIDE ME ALWAYS. UNTIL WE ARE RE-UNITED AGAIN PHYSICALLY NEVER TO BE PARTED AGAIN WHEN I CROSS OVER TO THE RAINBOWS BRIDGE.

I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER MY DARLING, IN MY HEART MY SHADOW WILL STAY.              
               
                 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 

                 DREAMY SHADOW
 


                      POSTED BY SALLY DIX
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Posted: May 9, 2009 9:07pm

 
 
 
Content and comments expressed here are the opinions of Care2 users and not necessarily that of Care2.com or its affiliates.

Author

Sally D.
female , single
Cotswolds, Non-us Province, United Kingd
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SHARES FROM SALLY'S NETWORK
Jun
8
(0 comments  |  discussions )
"Men, for years now, have been talking about war and peace. But now, no longer can they just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this world; it's nonviolence or nonexistence." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
May
22
(1 comments  |  discussions )
Some Spanish lessons (algunas lecciones de Español)Don't worry, be happy! (No te preocupes, se feliz!)Hugs and blessings, (abrazos y bendiciones)Angeles
May
9
(1 comments  |  discussions )
R.I.P. Dear Windstar....You are no longer in pain...Wait for me my Bigstar...So we can cross over Rainbow BridgeTogether.
May
8
(0 comments  |  discussions )
Ever since I saw that horrific pic of the bricks pelting ''Windstar'' the beautiful white horse, I can't get it out of my mind. To think a group of people--or maybe it was an individual!--would actually do something like that totally blows my min...
May
5
(1 comments  |  discussions )
If you care about seeing your loved ones againRepent of your sins If you want to make it into HeavenOpen your heart and Let Jesus in!Don't be an atheist, they only do the devil's workand the devil is the opposite of God...He is DARK and CRUEL and make...
May
1
(1 comments  |  discussions )
''Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light." - Norman B. Rice
Apr
28
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Mom, this sounds like somethin' you would've said *laugh*"Good things come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle." - Abraham Lincoln
Apr
23
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Happy Earth Day (same tune as Happy Birthday!) Happy Earth Day to you, Happy Earth Day to me! Happy Earth Day to our Mother For without her there'd be no other! No other way breathe... No other birds in the sky, No trees growing in the groun...
Apr
4
(0 comments  |  discussions )
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/petitionsforanimal rights/?fref=ts 
Mar
28
(2 comments  |  0 discussions )
And on the third day, the Son of God rose from the dead to show us that He lives!!Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are fiction. Jesus is REAL yet some of us teach our children rhymes and stories about Peter Cottontail hoppin' down the bunny trail........

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